fado

noun

fa·​do ˈfä-(ˌ)t͟hü How to pronounce fado (audio)
ˈfa-
plural fados
: a plaintive Portuguese folk song

Examples of fado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Be sure to check out the brand's collaborations, including a recent one with fado singer Ana Moura. Catarina Loureiro, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 May 2026 In fact, its traditional Portuguese food and authentic fado shows have been thrilling visitors for over 85 years. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 24 Mar. 2026 At night, take in a traditional fado show. Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 Ditto at the rain-free Humphreys debuts of gospel-music legends The Blind Boys of Alabama, Brazilian music superstar Milton Nasciemento, solo guitarist Stanley Jordan, blues vocal dynamo Shemekia Copland, Portuguese fado singing star Mariza and, in 2017, the pioneering art-rock band King Crimson. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fado

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, literally, fate, from Latin fatum

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fado was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Fado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fado. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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